Month: November 2021

In His Image

H- [X] Genesis 1:27-28…27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” The Creation Series.

E- “1:27 male and female.  Both male and female were created in God’s image (the details of their physical formation and marriage are in Genesis 2:7-25). Both possessed equally an eternal spirit capable of personal fellowship with their Creator. Shared equally by man and women are all those spiritual attributes not shared by animals–moral conscience, abstract thought, appreciation of beauty, emotional feelings, and, especially, the capacity for worshipping and loving God. Jesus confirmed the Genesis 2:23-25 account of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6 & Mark 10:6-8.

1:28 be fruitful and multiply. God’s first command to man was that of producing abundant descendants sufficient to fill the earth. The human population began with only two people. The function of subduing the earth and having dominion over it would necessarily require a long time–first, for the growth of a large enough population to fill the earth, and second, for the acquiring of enough knowledge and skill to enable man to bring it under full control and development.

1:28 have dominion. This commandment to conquer and rule the earth has been called the dominion mandate. It has never been abrogated, but was specifically renewed and extended after the Flood (Genesis 9:1-7). The military terminology in no way implies hostility and resistance from the earth, for it was all “very good” (Genesis 1:31). It suggests, rather, intensive study of the earth and its creatures (that is, “science”) and then application of that knowledge (that is, technology and commerce) for the optimum benefit of mankind and the animals, and for the glory of God.

Note that no instruction was given to exercise dominion over other men, but only over the earth and the animals. Had man not rebelled against God’s Word, all would have remained in perfect fellowship with God and, therefore, with one another. There was no initial need for the so-called social sciences and technologies, but only the natural sciences and their implementation. This situation was radically changed at the Fall, and God’s commandment accordingly expanded officially after the Flood.” [modified  from note Z for Genesis 1:27-28] The Creation Series.

A- Man and women were created in the image of God to fill and subdue the earth.

R- O God thank you for being formed in the image of the human form of Jesus, but with a natural spirit. My spirit was converted into an eternal spirit by repenting, trusting and believing in Jesus. [A] 

Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3 for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; O- Jehovah – LORD – God of promise, presence, accessibility, near to those who call on Him for deliverance [Psalm 107:13], forgiveness [Psalm 25:11] and guidance [Psalm 31:3]. [In Bibles the “ord” in LORD is in small caps but WordPress does not support small caps]; U- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- Place Scripture Reference in the search feature for Bible text and notes from The New Defender’s Study Bible”.

In the beginning!

H- [X] Genesis 1:1 — In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. NASB The Creation Series.

E- “God (Elohim) is eternal, existing before the universe, and is omnipotent, having created the universe. Therefore, nothing is impossible with God, and He alone gives meaning to everything. No attempt is made in this verse to prove God; it was recorded in the beginning when no one doubted God.

This verse records the creation of space (“the heaven”), of time (“in the beginning”), and of matter (“the earth”), the Tri-universe, the space/time/matter continuum which constitutes our physical cosmos. The Creator of this tri-universe is the triune God, Elohim.

The existence of a transcendent Creator and the necessity of a primeval special creation of the universe is confirmed by the most basic principles of nature discovered by scientists:

(1) The law of causality, that no effect can be greater than its cause, is basic in all scientific investigation and human experience. A universe comprising an array of intelligible and complex effects, including living systems and conscious personalities, is itself proof of an intelligent, complex, living, conscious Person as its Cause;

(2) The laws of thermodynamics are the most universal and best-proved generalizations of science, applicable to every process and system of any kind, the First Law stating that no matter/energy is now being created or destroyed, and the Second Law stating that all existing matter/energy is proceeding irreversibly toward ultimate equilibrium and cessation of all processes. Since this eventual death of the universe has not yet occurred and since it will occur in time, if these processes continue, the Second Law proves that time (and, therefore, the space/matter/time universe) had a beginning. The universe must have been created, but the First Law precludes the possibility of its self-creation. The only resolution of the dilemma posed by the First and Second Laws is that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”” [Z] The Creation Series.

A- I am thankful for the “Institute of Creation Research” faithfully proclaiming that science properly understood supports the Creation accounts in the Bible. I first started by reading The Genesis Flood by Henry M. Morris and John C. Whitman in the 1980’s. Then the “Acts and Facts” Publication now coming on a bimonthly basis. Subscribe free.

R- O God thank you for the faith of Henry M. Morris and his successors at ICR.

Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3 for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; U- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- Place Scripture Reference in the search feature for Bible text and notes from The New Defender’s Study Bible. Also source for quote below:

“The so-called big bang theory of the origin of the cosmos, postulating a primeval explosion of the space/mass/time continuum at the start, beginning with a state of nothingness and then rapidly expanding into the present complex universe, contradicts both these basic laws as well as Scripture.

 No other cosmogony, whether in ancient paganism or modern naturalism, even mentions the absolute origin of the universe. All begin with the space/time/matter universe, already existing in a primeval state of chaos, then attempt to speculate how it might have “evolved” into its present form. Modern evolutionism begins with elementary particles of matter evolving out of nothing in a “big bang” and then developing through natural forces into complex systems. Pagan pantheism also begins with elementary matter in various forms evolving into complex systems by the forces of nature personified as different gods and goddesses. But, very significantly, the concept of the special creation of the universe of space and time itself is found nowhere in all religion or philosophy, ancient or modern, except here in Genesis 1:1.”

Forever

H- [X] 2 Samuel 7:16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. NASB

E- This is the Covenant God made with David that his kingdom should be established forever [V.16]. This was an unconditional covenant made to David.

The covenant with David’s son Solomon [1 Kings 9:4-9] was conditional on Solomon’s and his sons “keeping My statutes and ordinances” [v.5].  “6 But if you or your sons indeed turn away from following Me,… serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut Israel off from the land which I have given them,… 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins;” [vv.6-8, 900AD]

[1] In 605-586BC Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the Solomon temple. After 70 years King Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return to Israel and they eventually rebuilt the temple.

[2] 6BC We know through the genealogies that the Davidic covenant was fulfilled through David’s son Nathan by Mary the mother of Jesus. The kingdom of Jesus is forever. [2 Samuel 7:16]

Jesus said about the Temple “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” [Mark 13:2]

[3] 1 Kings 9:8 and Mark 13:2 were fulfilled in 70AD when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the 2nd temple. The Israelites that survived were scattered throughout the nations.

The restoration of Israel is promised in Ezekiel 36-37 and many other Old Testament prophecies.

[4] The Israelites begin to return to the land after World War I and Israel became a nation again on May 14,1948. Jerusalem was recognized as the capital on December 6, 2017 and the new embassy inaugurated on May 14, 2018. Israel has become a strong middle eastern country with a high technology economy despite intense terrorist opposition from mostly Shia countries financed by Iran.

In 2020, the Abraham Accords resulted in Israel signing agreements establishing diplomatic relations with four Arab League countries, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco.

[5] The next major event prophesied is the resurrection of the church [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18]. Lord come quickly! Then the Tribulation, 2nd coming of Jesus, millennium, and new heavens and earth. Chart of these events. [Z]

A- The Bible is the only document that has correctly forecast the future for 100’s of prophecies. This gives confidence the rest of the prophecies will be fulfilled.

H- O God come quickly for the return of the true members of the church [A] dead and alive. Then we will be with Jesus in our resurrected bodies forever!

 Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3 for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; U- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; V- My wife and I are reading through the New Testament and read 1 Timothy 1 on 10/10/2021; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- Chart from Exploring the Future by John Phillips Page 71 https://d.docs.live.net/95a7ef0ae875fe90/Desktop/BP%203/2%20Phillips%20end%20times.jpg;

Albert Mohler Daily Briefing

He publishes a podcast each weekday morning that considers current events through the lenses of a Christian worldview. The Briefing is normally the 2nd article on the left side of his website. Click below.

Dr. Mohler serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. He has written nine books and authored thousands of articles on a wide range of topics. He publishes a podcast each weekday morning that considers current events through the lenses of a Christian worldview. The Briefing is normally the 2nd article on the left side of his website. Click below.

https://albertmohler.com

Henry Luke

The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah

Matthew 1:1-16 records the genealogy of Joseph beginning at Abraham

This genealogy also includes five women who where mothers, with three not being Israelites.

1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezron fathered Ram. 4 Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon. 5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. 6 Jesse fathered David the king. David fathered Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa. 8 Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Uzziah. 9 Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah. 11 Josiah fathered Jeconiah[Z]and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

12 After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, and Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel fathered Abihud, Abihud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor. 14 Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud. 15 Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob. 16 Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. [Matthew 1:18-25 makes it very clear that Joseph was not the father of Jesus and that Mary was a virgin until after the birth of Jesus]

Luke 3:23-38 records the genealogy of Jesus back to Adam. Many people believe this is the genealogy of Mary. Note that this genealogy in verse 31 includes the family line from Nathan [Z] and not Solomon:

23 When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years old, being, as was commonly held, the son of Joseph, the son of Eli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Hesli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan [Z], the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Heber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

A- These genealogies are very important and connect the Old and New Testament history and prophecies. [A] 

R- O God I am thankful You have protected Your Word from the very beginning.

 Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3- for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; S- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; V- I read and applied Hebrews 5 – 10-29-2021; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- From 1967 Edition of Schofield notes for Matthew 1:11: “Jeconiah is called Coniah in Jeremiah 22:24-30 where a curse is pronounced on him. This was the reason in the Luke account Mary’s line came through Nathan instead of Solomon. In the Matthew genealogy the inclusion is not a problem because Jesus was the adopted son of Joseph.”

Jacob

Genesis 46 Jacob's Entire Family in Egypt

H- [X] Genesis 46:3 Then He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. NASB Fear not series

E- Jacob thought his beloved son Joseph was dead but many years later found out he was alive in Egypt. Not only was he alive but he was the #2 leader in Egypt. God had sent Joseph there to collect food during 7 years of plenty to redistribute during 7 years of famine. Joseph had sent wagons to bring Jacobs entire family to Egypt so that God could make “a great nation there”.

God said to Jacob “do not be afraid to go down to Egypt”. God had told Abraham not to go down to Egypt, but he did. Now God is sending Jacob to Egypt to continue to fulfill the promises made to Abraham: that his descendants would be a great nation and serve in a land not theirs for 400 years, coming out with great substance [Genesis 12:1-3, 15:13-14].

Before Jacob died he told each of 12 sons their future in the last days. He said about Judah in Genesis 49:10“The scepter [of royalty] shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes, And to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” AMP David and Jesus came through the line of Judah [Z]. Jesus the Messiah will come in great victory at His 2nd coming and every knee will bow at His name.

God is omnipresent, omnisapient, and omnipotent; He always knows what is best for His children [A]. Even when the way is hard and long, we can “fear not” because He is always with us. Our only concern should be to stay on His path today and in the future. Jesus said “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.” [John 14:15 NASB] We are sorely tempted to stray to our  desires but by faith we can follow Him [Galatians 5:16-19.] Fear not list.

A- Jacob had thought Joseph was dead for many years but he was alive to help his family to survive the 7-year famine.

R- O God help me to “fear not” the future and keep on Your path every day, pleasing You by keeping Your commands.

Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3 for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; O- Jehovah – LORD – God of promise, presence, accessibility, near to those who call on Him for deliverance [Psalm 107:13], forgiveness [Psalm 25:11] and guidance [Psalm 31:3]. [In Bibles the “ord” in LORD is in small caps but WordPress does not support small caps]; U- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah;

 

No Pain

H- [X] Revelation 21:3c-4…3c God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” NASB

E- The first things are tears, death, mourning, pain, and crying on earth now. We all have experienced these five emotions maybe in the same day or month. The tears should be flowing now in the US and Europe because over the last 100 years we have gone from a Jesus-centered to a self-centered worldview. We have become wealthy in goods instead of spiritually. The result are lifestyles that are the opposite of Jesus-centered. To name a few: pursuit of comfort, pleasure, and material things. Also, we are led by the elites and those in top 5% to the detriment of the middle and lower class. Others include approval of abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc..

This life can be very intense unless we are trusting in Jesus by faith rather than self. But there will come a great day when the trumpet will sound and the Rapture of the Church [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18] will occur and set in motion the 7-year tribulation and 1,000-year millennium. Including the Resurrection of the tribulation saints [Revelation 20:11-21] and Old Testament saints [Daniel 12:1]; and the casting into the lake of fire forever those whose names are not in the book of life [Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8], the beast/antichrist and false prophet [Revelation 19:20], and satan [Revelation 20:10].

Then the promise of God for the new Heavens and new Earth will come and be forever [Revelation 21-22]. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will be there and the Disciples [A] will be there with them. Forever, there will be no tears, death, mourning, pain, and crying [Revelation 21:4].

A- What a day that will be and forever.

R- The suffering and troubles on earth will seem small compared to being with Jesus forever and ever!

 Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3- for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; S- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; 

Joseph’s Brothers

H- [X] Genesis 43:23 He said, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. Fear not series

E- Joseph’s brother had sold Joseph into slavery and he ended up in Egypt. In 23 years, God had been with Joseph and he ended up #2 in Egypt. In seven years of plenty Joseph had accumulated for Pharaoh plenty of grain for 7 years of drought. When Jacobs family ran out of food the 10 oldest sons went to Egypt for grain. But when they got home all the coins, they had paid for grain was in their sacks.

After a while their grain supply was about to be exhausted. The brothers returned to Egypt with their youngest brother and plenty of money for grain. They were met by Joseph’s steward and they told him about the money they were returning. The steward answer is in v.23 “Be at ease, do not be afraid”. The first phrase means “be at peace”. What a great story of the providence of God in preparing a way for Jacob to move to Egypt and grow into a great nation.

We can put this story into practice in our own lives as Disciples [A]. When trouble comes in our lives, big or small, we can trust God and all the promises he has made to us. We can truly fear not and as time goes on, we will accumulate stories about how God has carried us through troubles. This has been true in our family’s life as we have totally trusted in God. We had a fresh experience yesterday. Barbara played the harp at First Baptist Church for 37 years, but had to quit because of hand damage. Yesterday we sold her harp which was a hard experience for her. But God is faithful.

A- No matter what our troubles are God is faithful.

R- O God thank You for Your faithfulness!    Fear not list.

Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3 for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; O- Jehovah – LORD – God of promise, presence, accessibility, near to those who call on Him for deliverance [Psalm 107:13], forgiveness [Psalm 25:11] and guidance [Psalm 31:3]. [In Bibles the “ord” in LORD is in small caps but WordPress does not support small caps]; U- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; 

Run the race

1 Tim 6:10-11 But FLEE from these things (desire to get rich, love of $) you man of God & PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance & gentleness. FIGHT the good fight of faith. TAKE HOLD of the eternal life to which you were called..."

H- [X] Hebrews 12:1-3…1 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NASB [V]

E- I spent a good bit of time trying to get a reference that suggested the Hebrew word translated “witnesses” really means a cloud of spectators in heaven looking down to encourage Disciples today. But I was not successful.

Paul [Z] started v.1 with therefore, indicating the great cloud of witnesses refers to the heroes of faith in chapter 11. “1 Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old gained approval. By faith Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel 39 And all these and many more, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” [Heb. 11:1-40]

So, as we look at these men and women, there may come to our minds that the God of yesterday is also the God of today. The things that God did through them He is able to do today through Disciples [A] today.

One of the ways to develop endurance and encouragement is to get to know the godly men and women of the Bible who ran the race and won.

We are to eliminate the obstacles and sin that entangle us and run with endurance the race that is set before us. Jesus and people who won the race in the Bible are to be our example. That would include the Disciples, Paul, Timothy, Barnabas, and Mark.

A- I am in a race to win for the glory of Jesus.

R- O God help me to eliminate the obstacles and sins in my life that keep from running the race to please You.

 Henry Luke – To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Enter Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison in Amazon or Google to review our book.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

Notes: A– [A1- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, A2- for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, A3- for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here]; S- I normally do not capitalize the “S” in satan; V- Barbara and I read and applied Hebrews 12 on 11-10-2021; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- John Phillips believes Paul wrote Hebrews;

Bible Verses – Thankful, gratitude, rejoicing, strength, guidance, love

  1. John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. NASB [Also see John 14:21,23,15:10-14; Matthew 5:43-44]
  2. James 1:2-6…2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [All NASB unless noted]
  3. Ephesians 5:18-20… 18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father;
  4. Galatians 5:16-23a…16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other,… 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23b gentleness, and self-control. NLT
  5. Philippians 4:6-7… 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18…16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
  7. Habakkuk 3:17-19A… 17 Even if the fig tree does not blossom, And there is no fruit on the vines, If the yield of the olive fails, And the fields produce no food, Even if the flock disappears from the fold, And there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will triumph in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength,
  8. Isaiah 40:29-31… 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to the one who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
  9. Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of armies. [Angel saying to Zechariah about rebuilding the Temple]
  10. Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name.
  11. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
  12. 1 Corinthians 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  13. 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.
  14. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
  15. Colossians 2:6-7… 6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
  16. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.
  17. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
  18. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 
  19. Revelation 11:17 “We give You thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
  20. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
    For His faithfulness is everlasting.
  21. 1 Chronicles 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.
  22. Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
  23.  Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
    I will tell of all Your wonders. 
  24. Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
    Therefore my heart triumphs,
    And with my song I shall thank Him.
  25. Psalm 30:4 Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,
    And praise the mention of His holiness.
  26. Psalm 30:12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
  27. Psalm 50:23 He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who sets his way properly I will show the salvation of God.”
  28.  Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with song,
    And exalt Him with thanksgiving.
  29. Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to You, God, we give thanks,
    For Your name is near; People declare Your wondrous works.
  30. Psalm 86:12 I will give thanks to You, Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forever.
  31. Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord
    And to sing praises to Your name, Most High;
  32. Psalm 95:2-3… 2 Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving, Let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments.
    3 For the Lord is a great God
    And a great King above all gods,
  33. Psalm 100:1-5…1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
    2 Serve the Lord with jubilation;
    Come before Him with rejoicing.
    3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;
    It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
    We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
    And His courtyards with praise.
    Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
    5 For the Lord is good;
    His mercy is everlasting
  34. Psalm 105:1-2… Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
    Make His deeds known among the peoples.
    2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
    Tell of all His wonders.
  35. Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord!
    Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
    For His mercy is everlasting.
  36. Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
    For His mercy is everlasting.
  37. Psalm 118:24,28-29…24 This is the day which the Lord has made;
    Let’s rejoice and be glad in it. 28 You are my God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, I exalt You. 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His mercy is everlasting.
  38. Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
    For His faithfulness is everlasting.
  39. Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    For His faithfulness is everlasting.
  40. Isaiah 12:4 And on that day you will say,
    “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name.
    Make known His deeds among the peoples;
    Make them remember that His name is exalted.”